Research Technician II

HarbisonWalker International; West Mifflin (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

HarbisonWalker International (HWI) invites applications for a Research Technician II to join our Innovation and Technology Team. The role involves operating laboratory equipment, preparing materials and forming samples, testing, and recording data to evaluate properties at various temperatures.

The ideal candidate will have a High School diploma or GED, an associate degree in chemistry or related fields is preferred, and strong MS Office and teamwork skills.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED required.
• Associates degree in chemistry, materials science, or related field preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills.
• Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail.
• Strong problem-solving abilities.
• Able to manage time effectively and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work in a lab and follow safety protocols.
• 2–4 years experience in refractory or related research.

Responsibilities

• Operate laboratory equipment and prepare raw materials.
• Batch, weigh, and form samples from materials.
• Prepare samples to prescribed shapes and sizes; submit measured specimens.
• Test specimens and record, analyze and report data.
• Maintain and support facility operations and perform routine equipment maintenance.
• Support HBS continuous improvement initiatives when metrics warrant.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Team collaboration

Detail-oriented

Time management

Problem solving

Education

Associate degree in chemistry, materials science, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Job Description

HWI has a fantastic opportunity to join our Innovation and Technology Team as a Research Technician II.

Summary

The Research Technician II operates laboratory equipment, prepares raw materials, performs experimental procedures, records data, and executes planned research activities using observation, and analytical techniques to determine physical properties at ambient and elevated temperatures.

Responsibilities

• Preparing raw materials (drying, crushing, screening, etc.)
• Batching/weighing raw materials and forming samples (mixing, pressing, casting, gunning, etc.)
• Preparing (sawing, core drilling, etc.) samples to prescribed shapes and sizes; Submitting measured and labeled specimens
• Testing specimens and recording, analyzing and reporting data
• Maintaining and supporting facility (cleaning, shipping/receiving, inventory control, etc.) and performing routine equipment maintenance
• Supporting the HarbisonWalker Business System (HBS) including 5S by identifying and implementing opportunities for continuous process improvement as metrics warrant

Requirements

• High School diploma/GED required
• Associates degree in chemistry, materials science, or related field preferred
• Requires computer operation skills including, proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
• Requires interpersonal communications skills and the ability to work effectively in a team environment
• Requires organizational skills with accurate and precise attention to detail
• Requires problem solving skills
• Requires efficient management of time and the ability to meet deadlines
• Requires the ability to work in a lab environment and to follow safety protocols
• The Research Technician II generally requires two (2) - four (4) years of experience in refractory or related research

Physical And Environmental Requirements

• Physical Activity: Requires more than 2/3 of time talking and hearing, using hands/fingers to handle and/or feel and reaching with hands and arms; 1/3 to 2/3 of time standing, walking and sitting; less than 1/3 of time climbing, balancing, stopping, kneeling, crouching and/or crawling.
• Lifting: Requires lifting up to 55 pounds less than 1/3 of time.
• Vision: Requires accurate close, distance and peripheral vision and the ability to focus.
• Environment: Requires less than 1/3 of time in an office setting with limited exposure, working in wet or humid conditions or extreme heat, working near moving mechanical parts or in high precarious places, risk of electrical shock, and exposure to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals and/or vibrations.
• Noise: Requires exposure to moderate noise.